Les Miles on LSU handling off-the-field distractions: "It's become a reason to focus"

LSU coach Les Miles encourages his team before the start of their NCAA college football game against Auburn. (Associated Press/Bill Haber)

AUBURN, Alabama -- LSU has had more than its fair share of off-the-field distractions this season.

First, reigning Bednarik Award winner Tyrann Mathieu was dismissed from the team because of a failed drug test in early August. Then Hurricane Isaac swept through, followed by the ruling that four players, including starting linebacker Tahj Jones, had been ruled academically ineligible, making it 11 players who have been lost to injury or suspension since the start of camp.

And then a bomb threat on Monday forced LSU to evacuate its campus. Through all of that, LSU head coach Les Miles said on Wednesday's SEC teleconference that he thinks the team has gotten closer.

"Any time there's distraction, there is an effect," Miles said. "We've looked at any number of issues, certainly a storm, any number of off-the-field distractions. What's happened is it's became a reason to focus, a reason to get it right and a reason to pull together."

Miles was a first-year coach when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

That experience helped shape his response -- and his team's -- when unforeseen obstacles hit.

"Our guys, when confronted with that situation, understands what it needs to do as a team," Miles said. "And I think we're fortunate there. It happened in the first week I was here with Katrina, and it's really happened every year for different reasons."

** Miles on Auburn: "Theirdefenseisveryathletic, their special teams are excellent, and Kiehl Frazier iscomingintohisownasaQB.

** Michael Ford has given LSU another special-teams threat at kick returner. "I like Michael Ford," Miles said. "I think Michael Ford will be a very good kick returner, and a capable return man."

** Miles recognizes the rivalry between Auburn and LSU. "Not long ago, when Auburn and LSU played, it decided the Western Division," Miles said. "I understand the start is not what Auburn wanted, but they're still very, very capable."

** LSU has been forced to rotate its offensive tackles due to an injury to left tackle Josh Dworaczyk, but true freshman Vadal Alexander has played well enough to help out senior Alex Hurst on the offensive line. "We like all three guys," Miles said. "All three guys really deserve quality playing time." Dworaczyk, who stepped in at left tackle when senior starter Chris Faulk was lost for the season in August due to injury, returned to full duties at practice Tuesday.

** Center P.J. Lonergan has battled injuries, but backup Elliott Porter has played well, Miles said.

** Jordan-Hare Stadium has made an impression on Miles. "I think the venue is tremendous," Miles said. "It's a big, beautiful stadium, the people there are very excited about their team, and it's a classic SEC venue."

** Kenny Hilliard has all the makings of a good, physical back, Miles said. Hilliard leads LSU with 303 rushing yards.